Chicago PD showrunner teases ‘fun ride’ ahead for Voight and Halstead

Things have changed. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) nearly lost their careers in the Chicago PD episode “A Way Out”, and had to resort to unsavory tactics to ensure that they would see another day of freedom.

The cost of using these tactics, however, has yet to be fully explored. Halstead paid a visit to Voight after agreeing to blackmail an FBI agent (Voight’s idea), and he told his commanding officer that things would be different from now on. He told Voight that communication would have to be open so nothing like this ever happens again. Voight sheepishly agreed.

While brief, the exchange seems to hint at some major changes between the characters moving forward. Here’s what we know about Voight and Halstead’s relationship for the rest of season 9.

Voight and Halstead in Chicago PD season 9

During a recent interview with TV Line, showrunner Gwen Sigan confirmed that Halstead would take a more authoritative role than ever before in the IU.

"“I’m so excited to explore the new relationship between Jay and Voight, and Jesse and Jason [Beghe]’s performances in this episode only made it that much more exciting. We saw Jay get to a very empowered place” Sigan noted. “Through his struggle, he came out with a new understanding and a new way to work with Voight that felt acceptable in his head for the heavy cost he paid this episode.”"

The showrunner went on to explain that the mantra of the “A Way Out” episode will serve as a sort of template for Voight and Halstead moving forward.

"“Can that relationship work? Is Voight really willing to do that? What will it mean for both of their characters? As stated in this episode, ‘everyone changes everyone’,” she added. “It’s going to be a fun ride to see that change play out in Halstead and Voight.”"

Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

In addition to shifting Halstead’s outlook on corruption and his approach to police work in general, the close call with the FBI has also taken its toll on Voight. The veteran officer has had no problem bending the rules in the past, but watching the toll it took on the IU’s resident white knight has led him to reconsider his approach.

Voight is nothing is not a paternal figure to the rest of the unit, so being forced to drag his younger counterparts into the fires of corruption is not something he seems eager to do again. Sigan hit on this aspect of the character as well, asserting that he will try to make some professional changes in an attempt to prevent future problems.

For the latest Chicago PD season 9 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.